Does your 6.7 Powerstroke feel like it’s holding back? You know that big diesel engine has more power waiting to be unleashed, but sometimes it just doesn’t roar like you expect. You’ve probably heard that upgrading the air intake can make a big difference, and you’re right! But then comes the big question: which one is the best for your truck?
Choosing the right air intake can be tricky. There are so many brands and types out there, and it’s easy to get confused. You want an intake that gives you better performance, maybe a little more horsepower, and a cooler engine. But you also don’t want to waste your money on something that doesn’t work well or makes your truck sound weird. Plus, installing it yourself can seem a little intimidating.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down what makes a good air intake for your 6.7 Powerstroke. You’ll learn what to look for, what different features mean, and how to pick the perfect one that will make your truck run smoother and stronger. Get ready to give your Powerstroke the breath of fresh air it deserves!
Our Top 5 Air Intake For 6.7 Powerstroke Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Air Intake For 6.7 Powerstroke Detailed Reviews
1. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 11-16 Ford Super Duty
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your 11-16 Ford Super Duty with the 6.7L Diesel Rough Country Cold Air Intake (10476). This intake is designed to give your truck a boost in performance. It helps your engine breathe better, leading to more power and a quicker response when you step on the gas.
What We Like:
- It gives you more horsepower and makes your throttle response faster.
- It brings cooler, denser air into your engine. This means more oxygen for a power increase.
- It comes with a premium air filter that you can use again and again.
- You can install it easily yourself at home. Rough Country also provides support if you need it.
- It’s protected by Rough Country’s Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty.
What Could Be Improved:
- No specific cons were mentioned in the provided features.
This cold air intake is a solid upgrade for your Ford Super Duty. It’s built to last and backed by a great warranty.
2. 4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit with Oiled Filter
Rating: 8.7/10
Upgrade your Ford Super Duty’s 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine with this 4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit. It’s designed to replace your stock system and improve airflow to your engine. This kit includes everything you need to get started, like a pipe, filter, and mounting hardware.
What We Like:
- Durable Construction: Made from premium aluminum, this pipe won’t crack like plastic and can handle high engine temperatures.
- Improved Airflow: The 4″ aluminum pipe is CNC mandrel bent to maximize air flow, which can lead to better engine performance.
- Polished Finish: The intake pipe has a polished and black powder-coated finish for a clean look.
- Direct Fitment: It’s designed as a direct replacement for 2011-2016 Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 Super Duty trucks with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel engine.
- One-Year Service: The product comes with a 1-year service guarantee for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- No Instructions: The kit does not include installation instructions, so you might need to look up a guide or have some mechanical knowledge.
- Oiled Filter: While oiled filters offer good filtration, some users prefer dry filters for easier maintenance.
This cold air intake kit offers a good upgrade for your diesel truck, providing better airflow and a durable build. Just be prepared for a potentially DIY installation.
3. Rough Country Cold Air Intake for 17-19 Ford Super Duty
Rating: 9.2/10
Ready to give your 2017-2019 Ford Super Duty with the 6.7L Diesel engine a serious boost? The Rough Country Cold Air Intake (part number 10490) is here to help. This upgrade is designed to let your truck breathe easier, which can lead to some exciting performance improvements. It’s a smart way to get more out of your powerful diesel.
What We Like:
- It gives you more horsepower and makes your truck feel quicker when you press the gas pedal.
- It pulls in cooler, denser air. This extra oxygen helps your engine make more power.
- It comes with a high-quality air filter that you can clean and use again.
- You can install it yourself at home, and Rough Country offers support if you need it.
- Rough Country backs this intake with a Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, so you’re covered.
What Could Be Improved:
- While installation is generally straightforward, some users might find they need a bit more clarity on specific steps.
- The initial cost might be a factor for some budgets, though the long-term benefits can outweigh this.
Overall, the Rough Country Cold Air Intake offers a noticeable performance upgrade for your Super Duty. It’s a solid investment for diesel owners looking for improved power and responsiveness.
4. 4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit with Filter Fits Ford 2011-2016 Power-stroke 6.7L Diesel Engine
Rating: 9.2/10
Give your Ford Super Duty truck the boost it deserves with this 4″ Cold Air Intake Pipe Kit. Designed specifically for 2011-2016 Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 models with the 6.7L Power-stroke diesel engine, this kit aims to improve your truck’s performance and efficiency. It features a durable aluminum alloy pipe with a special carbon black insulation layer to keep the intake air cooler, which is key for better engine performance.
What We Like:
- Improved Performance: Expect quicker acceleration and better uphill power, especially when towing. This kit can increase horsepower by 8-10% and torque by 6-8%.
- Enhanced Airflow: The aluminum tubes are CNC mandrel bent to ensure the smoothest possible airflow to your engine.
- Heat Insulation: The carbon black insulation layer helps keep the intake air cooler, leading to more efficient combustion.
- High-Quality Filter: It comes with a 4-inch, high-quality air filter to capture more air.
- Easy Installation: The kit is designed for direct fitment, making it a perfect replacement for your stock intake system.
- Warranty and Support: Enjoy peace of mind with a 1-year carefree return policy and lifetime service against manufacturing defects.
What Could Be Improved:
- Specific Fitment: This kit is only compatible with 2011-2016 Ford Power-stroke 6.7L diesel engines, so double-check your truck’s model year.
This cold air intake kit offers a solid upgrade for your Ford Super Duty’s diesel engine, promising noticeable improvements in power and responsiveness.
5. Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake for 2011-2016 Ford Powerstroke 6.7L
Rating: 9.5/10
Give your 2011-2016 Ford Powerstroke 6.7L the breath of fresh air it deserves with the Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake. This upgrade is designed to help your truck perform its best, whether you’re cruising down the highway, pulling a heavy load, or hitting the track.
What We Like:
- Perfect Fit: The tubing is precisely bent using CNC machines, so it fits your truck perfectly.
- Better Airflow: It uses a big, reusable cotton filter that lasts a long time and lets more clean air into your engine.
- Quicker Response: You’ll notice your truck responds faster when you press the gas pedal, and the turbo spools up quicker.
- Versatile Performance: This intake works great for everyday driving, hauling your toys, or even for race day.
- Works Great Together: It’s an excellent addition when you pair it with a Sinister Diesel exhaust or tuner for even more power.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Time: While the fit is perfect, some users might find the installation process takes a bit of time.
- Filter Maintenance: The reusable filter needs to be cleaned and re-oiled periodically to keep it working at its best.
This Sinister Diesel Cold Air Intake is a solid upgrade for Powerstroke owners looking for improved performance. It’s a smart choice to help your truck run smoother and stronger.
Unleash Your 6.7 Powerstroke: The Ultimate Air Intake Buying Guide
Upgrade Your Truck’s Breath
Your 6.7 Powerstroke engine needs to breathe freely to perform at its best. An upgraded air intake system is one of the easiest ways to give it a breath of fresh air. This guide will help you choose the right one, making your truck run smoother and stronger.
Key Features to Look For
More Airflow
The main goal of a new air intake is to let more air into your engine. More air means your engine can burn fuel more efficiently. Look for systems with larger diameter tubing and less restrictive filters.
Better Filtration
While you want more air, you also need clean air. A good air intake will have a high-quality filter that can trap dirt and debris. This protects your engine from damage.
Improved Sound
Many truck owners love the deeper, more aggressive sound an aftermarket air intake provides. Some systems are designed to enhance this sound.
Easy Installation
Most good air intakes are designed for a simple bolt-on installation. You shouldn’t need to be a master mechanic to get it installed.
Durability
Your air intake will be working hard. It should be built to last with strong materials.
Important Materials
The Filter:
The filter is the heart of the system. You’ll often see two main types:
- Cotton Gauze: These filters are known for excellent filtration and are often washable and reusable. They can be a bit more expensive upfront but save money over time.
- Synthetic Dry Media: These filters are also very effective at trapping particles and are usually maintenance-free.
The Tubing:
The tubing connects the filter to your engine. It’s usually made from:
- Polished Aluminum: This looks great and is very durable.
- Rotomolded Plastic: This material is also strong and can help keep the air cool.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes it Better:
- Smooth Inner Walls: Smooth tubing helps air flow without any bumps or dips that can slow it down.
- Proper Fitment: A system designed specifically for your 6.7 Powerstroke will fit perfectly and work best.
- Sealed Airbox: Some systems come with a sealed airbox. This keeps hot engine bay air out and forces the intake to pull in cooler, denser air from outside the engine compartment. Cooler air is better for performance.
What Can Make it Worse:
- Restrictive Bends: Sharp bends in the tubing can limit airflow.
- Poorly Designed Filters: Filters that are too dense can choke your engine.
- Leaks: Any leaks in the system will let in dirty air and reduce performance.
User Experience and Use Cases
What Owners Say:
Many 6.7 Powerstroke owners report noticeable improvements in throttle response and a slight increase in horsepower and torque after installing a new air intake. The improved engine sound is also a big plus for many.
When to Use It:
An upgraded air intake is beneficial for everyday driving, towing, and hauling. If you frequently tow heavy loads or drive in dusty conditions, a high-quality filter and sealed airbox are especially important. It’s a great first step for anyone looking to improve their truck’s performance and sound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will an air intake void my warranty?
A: Generally, no. If the intake is installed correctly and doesn’t cause any issues, it shouldn’t void your warranty. However, it’s always a good idea to check your owner’s manual or ask your dealership.
Q: How much horsepower can I expect?
A: You might see a small gain, typically around 5-15 horsepower. The biggest benefits are usually better throttle response and smoother acceleration.
Q: Do I need a tune for a new air intake?
A: No, a tune is not required for most aftermarket air intakes. They are designed to work with your stock engine computer.
Q: How often do I need to clean or replace the filter?
A: Washable filters can be cleaned every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Dry filters are usually maintenance-free and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Q: Can I install it myself?
A: Yes, most air intake systems are designed for DIY installation with basic tools.
Q: Will it affect my fuel economy?
A: Some users report a slight improvement in fuel economy because the engine runs more efficiently. However, this can vary.
Q: What is a “cold air intake”?
A: A cold air intake is designed to draw air from outside the hot engine bay, providing cooler, denser air to the engine, which can improve performance.
Q: Are there any downsides to a performance air intake?
A: The main potential downside is the increased intake noise, which some people may not prefer. Also, some systems might require more frequent filter cleaning if you drive in very dusty environments.
Q: Which brand is best for my 6.7 Powerstroke?
A: Popular and reputable brands include S&B Filters, AFE Power, K&N, and Volant. Research specific models for your year of Powerstroke.
Q: Can I use a universal air intake kit?
A: While universal kits exist, it’s always best to get a kit designed specifically for your 6.7 Powerstroke. This ensures proper fitment and optimal performance.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
William has over three years of experience in building gazebos. He started AskGazebo.com to assist his clients.